Perceptions of therapeutic principles in a therapeutic community

Capone, Georgina; Braham, Louise; Schroder, Thomas; Moghaddam, Nima

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore staff and service users’ perceptions of therapeutic principles within a unique male high secure learning disability therapeutic community (LDTC).
Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was adopted using deductive content analysis and inductive thematic analysis. Twelve participants took part in a semi-structured interview to explore their perceptions of Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles and any further additional therapeutic features in the environment not captured by the theory.
Findings: All five quintessence principles were identified in the LDTC environment. Some limits to the principle of ‘agency’ were highlighted, with specific reference to difficulties implementing a flattened hierarchy in a forensic setting. Additional therapeutic features were identified including; security and risk, responsivity, and more physical freedom which appear to aid implementation of the quintessence principles.
Research limitations/implications: The study was performed within a single case study design. Therefore results remain specific to this LDTC. However, the finding of these principles in such a unique setting may indicate Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles are evident in other TC environments.
Originality/value: This is the first research paper that has attempted to test whether Haigh’s (2013) quintessence principles are evident within a given therapeutic community. The research provides empirical evidence for the quintessence principles in a novel TC setting and suggests recommendations for future research.

Citation

Capone, G., Braham, L., Schroder, T., & Moghaddam, N. (2017). Perceptions of therapeutic principles in a therapeutic community. Therapeutic Communities, 38(2), https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-02-2017-0009

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 8, 2017
• Publication Date: May 30, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 31, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 31, 2017
• Journal: Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities
• Electronic ISSN: 0964-1866
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-02-2017-0009
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/862320
• Publisher URL: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/TC-02-2017-0009